Hughes stars as Strikers beat Scorchers

Date: December 10 2012

Justin Chadwick

Recalled Test batsman Phil Hughes warmed up for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka in fine fashion, cracking 74 off 48 balls to inspire the Adelaide Strikers to a six-wicket Twenty20 victory over the Perth Scorchers at the WACA Ground on Sunday.

In reply, Adelaide reached 4-164 in 19.2 overs, with man-of-the-match Hughes cracking nine fours and one six to set up the innings, before Nathan Reardon (42 off 26 balls) and Theo Doropoulos (12 not out) guided the Strikers to victory in front of 12,117 fans.

The game was precariously balanced until Reardon and Doropoulos scored 19 runs in the 18th over off the bowling of Ben Edmondson.

Earlier, Marsh made a welcome return to form in Perth's competitive total.

Marsh entered the match in terrible form, having averaged just 10.2 in the Sheffield Shield and 17.7 in one-dayers this season.

But the 29-year-old looked good once he found his rhythm against the Strikers, hitting three fours and three sixes to help the Scorchers reach a competitive total.

However, Marsh strained his hamstring shortly before holing out, and was unable to take his place in the field.

The former Test batsman will undergo further assessment to determine his availability for Wednesday night's home clash with the Melbourne Stars.

Marsh has a history of hamstring problems, having torn his left hamstring while playing for Australia at the WACA in 2009.

Coincidentally, Marsh's brother, Mitch, is also nursing a hamstring injury, albeit a season-ending one that required surgery.

Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal finished with 1-22 from four overs for the Strikers, while Johan Botha (1-23) and paceman Kane Richardson (3-33) were also important.

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